Alicia Keys is back with her fourth studio album ‘The Element of Freedom’, and its an album where we see Alicia’s personal life become a public farce. Apparently, AK who is known for her squeaky clean image is encountering major backlash for “stealing” a married man from under his wife’s nose (or that’s how she puts it), but you can’t steal a man, if he doesn’t want to be stolen. That type of talk always makes me laugh. But anyway, the lyrical content on the songs gravitate towards the situation at hand making for a very interesting listen. So what does her new album bring to the table exactly?
Love Is Blind: Produced by Jeff Bhasker and Alicia Keys
Love Is Blind is beautifully melodic, and her vocals have character. I also get the feeling Alicia penned this song due to certain cirumstances in her current relationship. AK acknowledges the negative responses to her relationship: “All of my friends think I’m crazy for loving you”. At the same time, she shrugs it off because once she starts to love, her total focus is only on love. As a result, this reasoning makes her oblivious (blind) to all the other (controversial) occurances surrounding their relationship. Rating: 3.5/5
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Doesn’t Mean Anything: Produced by Kerry ‘Krucial’ Brothers and Alicia Keys
The piano & heavy-drum production reminded me so much of ‘No One’. Upon first listen, I remember classifying it as the little sister of ‘No One’, or put simply ‘No One’ Part II or better yet, the poor man’s ‘No One’. It just seemed like a desperate attempt to replicate that one song all because it was a massive hit. I can understand wanting to milk a hit record by making a second template. It doesn’t always work as Mariah and Leona are discovering with ‘We Belong Together’ and ‘Bleeding Love’. You cannot recycle your biggest hit and expect the masses to eat into it again. However, I do love the lyrical concept. Rating: 3/5
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Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart: Produced by Jeff Bhasker
My ears were in sheer musical heaven at stumbling across this 80s-inspired synth ballad. The instruments consist of dark-driven drums, electric keyboards and a catchy sing-a-long ‘La-La-La’ bridge. Her vocals start off light but steadily pick up until the overall song develops into an epic anthemic pop musing. I’m just not understanding why the song is not riding high on the charts as I think it’s one of her best songs to come out in years. Rating: 4/5
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Wait Til They See My Smile: Produced by Alicia Keys and Jeff Bhasker
I’m a sucker for self-empowerment lyrical content. I think the piano, heavy drums and distant-synths is what made me fall in love with the production itself. The track is like a big fat ‘eff you’ to the haters that spit negativity her way but she does it so elegantly. Rating: 3.5/5
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That’s How Strong My Love Is: Produced by Alicia Keys
Interestingly enough, Alicia mimics the same line from ‘Love Is Blind’ on the declarative piano ballad: “some people call me crazy for falling in love with you”. It’s like some sort of love sequel, and her vocals show a lot of depth and emotion. As for the real life ’situation’ of putting herself with an attached man, we are only an audience looking in from the outside, but it seems like the reality is really hitting home for her. Rating: 3/5
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Unthinkable (I’m Ready) feat. Drake: Produced by Alicia Keys, Kerry ‘Krucial’ Brothers and Noah “40″ Shebib
This contemporary urban midtempo is another album stunner, with Alicia showing off her raspy vocal range. Such a big deal was made out of Drake being featured on the album but this is not a full on duet like the Beyonce song. I thought his verses would have been a lot more beefier, like some sort of ‘he say she say’ exchange? But he only sings along on a couple of lines for backing effect. This is still a really hot song though and I was liking how the steel drums come in during the parts “If you ask me I’m ready” giving it more of a dramatic feel. Rating: 4/5
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Love Is My Disease: Produced by Kerry ‘Krucial’ Brothers & co-Produced by Toby Gad
Alicia hooks up with Toby Gad for the reggae-tinged pop joint, the man behind Fergie’s ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’ and Beyoncé’s ‘If I Were A Boy’. I’m not a big fan of Gad’s work so I was not surprised this is one of my least favourite songs on the album. The lyrics are interesting as she sings about love having this infested hold over her. Rating: 2/5
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Like The Sea: Produced by Alicia Keys and Jeff Bhasker
Alicia gets all metaphorical on the atmospheric dusky production: “love is like the sea, leaves you on your knees, first you’re floating high, then it takes you under”. The lyrics are very deep, the beat is oldskool and once again sees the singer pouring out her heart to the woes of love. Rating: 4/5
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Put It In A Love Song feat. Beyoncé Knowles: Produced by Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys
Boasting marching band-style drums and a sparse piano melody, the anthemic uptempo reaks of Beyonce. This leaves poor Alicia battling with what’s outside her comfort zone. Such a strong dominant beat is Beyonce’s forte (listen to her unreleased ‘B’Day’ track ‘Creole’). Her alto fits the song like its her musical feasting. Whilst Alicia did her parts really nicely, Beyonce undoutedly smashed her verses. I am still thinking a more laidback soulful type ballad would have been a lot more suitable for both of them. I for one, did not imagine they would put out this type of song and on the first listen I was a bit disappointed. I think the disappointment kicked in after the song failed to meet my expectations. I do think the song kicks mean ass though, and it would be such a shame if this is not released as a future single. Rating: 3.5/5
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This Bed: Produced by Alicia Keys and Kerry “Krucial” Brothers
This is different for Alicia because the song channels an 80’s funk type beat remiscent to something Vanity 6 would have put out. I appreciate Alicia broadening her musical direction and experimenting as this is my groove right here! I mean, if you listen to the vintage soul that plaqued her first two albums, you would never imagine that seven years later, she would put out a song of this nature. Rating: 4/5
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Distance And Time: Produced by Alicia Keys and Kerry ‘Krucial’ Brothers
Distance And Time is yet another laidback piano ballad, one of many, which details the dilemma’s of a long distance relationship. With its soaring melodies and emotional pleas, the song is sweet and very expressive. Rating: 4/5
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Empire State Of Mind (Part II): Produced by Al Shux and Alicia Keys
The piano-driven sequel to the original differs to the hip-hop New York anthem. Although the song’s epic chorus is indistinguishable, it does not contain any verses from Jay-Z. Empire State of Mind (Part II) still has the same piano loops but it’s acoustically more soulful. Lyrically, it shows great appreciation for the city that she was born and raised in, a city full of “gypsy cabs”, self-reflection, “big lights,” and a “pocket full of dreams”. More importantly is that it is a place where she made her dreams become reality: “If I could make it here I could make it anywhere”. Rating: 3.5/5
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How It Feels To Fly: Produced by Alicia Keys and Kerry “Krucial” Brothers
Imagine having the freedom to fly wherever you wanted without so much as a care to the world? Well, Alicia emphasises these feelings of exhilaration on the choir-assisted piano ballad. A very defining way to end the album. Rating: 4/5
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Conclusion: Having said that, The Element of Freedom is a great album! Actually, I think I might even prefer this to her last effort. I however, enjoyed her ability to write about her current experiences with love. I can pretty much relate to most of what she’s singing about, and lyrically, the album is the truth! Her piano contribution compliments the songs, which gives them a genuine authenticity. Even today, AK is still proving to us that her talents exceed those beyond your average R&B chick. My favourite album will always be her debut (followed by ‘Diary’) but you can’t fault the chick because she always raises the standard with the quality, even with a more ‘current’ approach.
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Standouts: Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart, Unthinkable, Like The Sea, This Bed, Distance And Time, How It Feels To Fly
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Rating: 3.5/5
Great review Toya. Your standouts are actually mine as well. I Love “Like The Sea” and “This Bed”. Those two are my favorite from the album. I actually prefer this album and “As I Am” over her first two but I guess to each its own. But again great review.
Totally disagree; I absolutely prefer “As I Am”, I think this one’s extremely boring apart from a few songs…
Thanks for the review though, I was looking forward to reading it!
i actually enjoyed all the songs on the album with the exception of this bed. unthinkable, like the sea, and love is my disease are my favorites! great review toya!
This album is alright…I like the fact that she gradually transitioned into a more poppy sound instead of switching it up all of a sudden.
This album seems sorta rushed to me! Rushed & Watered down a little bit & TSWABH is the best track on there. It shows that she’s the type that should really take the time to craft her albums & she didnt take much time to really do so this time.
I’ve never been a huge A. Keys fan, so I’m a bit surprised that she won be over the way she did. I absolutely LOVE this album, and it’s by far my favorite from her. I LOVE EVERY SONG! But my favorite song isn’t even on the album; it’s a bonus track: Pray For Forgiveness!
But I have to disagree with you regarding Love Is My Disease. That song shits!
The album is good, the only songs io dont like are, l.ove song, esom and doesnt mean.
Good review, and I agree with it for the most part too. I didn’t know Toby co-produced Love Is My Disease,I usually like his stuff but that’s 1 of 3 tracks I can’t get into on the album – gonna pick up my copy this evening!
my favorites R
1. Distance & Time
2. Wait til you see me Smile
3. Try sleeping with a broken Heart
i agree on most of this. Love Is My Disease actually grew on me. I think its strong than As I Am. That album had a very low almost depressing tone to it. even the uptempo tracks had a certain melodic undertone. this album is much brighter. and lyrically, she’s done it again. i adore it! i got my Empire Edition in the mail this weekend and imma buy it again on iTunes!
hey toyaz !! nice blog !! please can i take this review and put it in my blog . and of course, I’ll put your name with it ?! thnks
As I Am is a timeless album and my personal favorite. The Element of Freedom is good, but lacks greatness. The stand out track is ”Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart”. All and all TEOF is a good album.
The reason why Drake is featured on Unthinkable is because he also wrote it….at least that’s what it says on his blog.
Great review, however I was shocked you gave “That’s How Strong My Love Is” 3/5… I love that song so much. I think it’s one of the best songs on the album.
My favorite will always be “… Minor”, but this one is definitely right behind it!
didnt like this album at all. only 2 songs went on my ipod.
Where the hell Graffiti’s review
His album came out first 
MAN…she can’t sing nothing about falling in love…don’t wanna hear it…she lost me as a fan.
LMAO! this album is great from start to finish! And you readers are idiots, Alicia did nothing wrong in this case. If you mad at anyone it needs to be Swizz Beats. Alicia can only go off of what he tells her, if he says they were separated then o well. Alicia does not need to go to anyone estranged wife and say..um excuse me are you still an item? Hell no!!
dookiestix..THINKING THAT WAY you are exactly what your name is…dookiestix! lol..im just kidden..really. lol.
Maybe SHE IS going off of what he told her..but did he TELL HER HE WAS STILL MARRIED?!?! …doubt it…in his eyes he is right…altho’ he’s still married…
I think Im the only one that thinks this whole swiss beatzz things is manufactured.
And what is even more crazy about this situation is that black blogs are actually paying this crap attention, and black folks hating on Alicia Keys knowing damn well they weren’t buying the album with or without so-called drama. Most didn’t buy her last album. I don’t see any white blogs or mainstream news channel talking about this, and they will be the majority of people buying the album. The stupidity of you all to buy into this mess with no proof. Hell Tiger Woods is proof, ain’t no denying his wrong. Mashonda better show proof vs starting bitter bullshit!
I am not feeling this album rite now..maybe it will change when I’m in a better place.. My favorite AK album is Diary!
the album pretty damn boring to me same old same old with each alicia album its just blah.
there ARE pics with them together.. i dont think she’s denying anymore. pictures speak a thousand words.either way i love most of her album. unthinkable is THE BEST. such a chill song. its on repeat right about now
oh yea.. no woman can ’steal’ a man. if dude puts himself in a situation where he gets caught up with another woman thats him. maybe my head is messed up but i have a realistic way of thinking when it comes to men.——-ALL men have the ability to cheat. its in their dna. so if my man ever cheats i’ll just tell his ass goodbye. i love him but damn.. i’m not going to get all bitter with the ‘other woman’ it was his CHOICE.mistake or not.—– mashonda is looking like an ass right now twitting about shit. that should 1st of all be a private matter he also should have more courtesy and not parade the fact he with alicia on twittter. grown ups acting like kids. smh
Love is My Disease is a great song. As is That’s How Strong My Love Is.
That’s a really great review. Funnily enough I agree with everything although I’d personally rate Doesn’t Mean Anything higher…I’m repeating that as it reminds me of my late grandmother.
I’m a little miffed that she didn’t have one of her typical piano intros…I LOVE them but the album is brilliant.
I loveeee this album! 4.5/5 from me.
My favorites were Unthinkable, Love Is My Disease, Wait Til You See My Smile, How It Feels to Fly, Empire State of Mind Part ll and That’s How Strong My Love Is.
But overall I love the whole thing, definitely picking this album up.
I love the album, with the bonus tracks it went from a 5/5 to a 12/5 lol… JK the album is great AS I AM is a great album too. The content is nice on this one as well although the songs are more melodic than AS I AM. Alicia you did it again. SALES should be high…
I love That’s How Strong My Love Is…
Just like others have posted, “That’s How Strong My Love Is” is a beautiful song, its my favorite on the album! “Unthinkable” is a close second!
Go figure that only ONE song went on my iPod. This album just screamed let me stick it to you Mashonda and it was poorly executed. I will stick to As I Am lol
Toya, I must say I agree with the review. I really don’t like the Beyonce collabo but i see it growing on me. My favorite of the album is Love is Blind! i can’t believe you didnt give a 4/5
I will be the first in line to buy her album tomorrow!
Um it’s a part of her life Mickey, most of the album had nothing to do with Mashonda. Come on, it’s a piece of art, and it’s quite cohesive. The reviews have been good too. Give it a decent unbiased listen, I’m def getting my friends and family some copies… It’s great…
I really wished she put Dreamin’ on her album!!! I love the vibe of that song!!!! The cd is good! She is exploring more of her sexual side!!!
I know her cd will sale at least 350-400k at the most!!!!
love is my disease is one of the best songs up there
Good review xD.
You should of added your thoughts on the two bonus tracks, Through It All is one of my favorites.
i like the album also but my only problem was her vocals it just seemed like she was straining her voice the whole time
i love thats how strong my love is one of my faves and love is like the sea
I have to disagree there divatude… This is her lowest key on an album, it seems the critics would agree aswell lol… She strained it more last time…
THAT’S HOW STRONG MY LOVE IS, DISTANCE AND TIME< MAAAAAAAAAAN THE WHOLE ALBUM IS STRONG!!!
alicia just makes me bad now. not b/c she did anything to me personally, but b/c she didn’t take care of her voice. she sounds strained and out of breath now. i’m still debating if i want to put money towards this or not…SMH!